A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Amalfi for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Valletta or Amalfi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Valletta and Amalfi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Valletta

Valletta is a cultural, waterfront, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Valletta and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Valletta and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Valletta is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Amalfi is more touristy than Valletta and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Valletta is popular for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens.

How is Valletta different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi and Valletta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valletta or Amalfi?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Valletta are among the most recognizable in the world. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Valletta or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Valletta and Amalfi.

Many restaurants in Valletta have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

Eat your way through Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Valletta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Valletta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a town with good options for the beach. However, Valletta is lacking in good options for its beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Valletta offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Valletta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Amalfi?

Valletta is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Valletta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Valletta and Amalfi are good to visit with kids.

Valletta is a family-friendly town. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Both Valletta and Amalfi are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Valletta is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Amalfi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valletta is a great town to visit for backpackers. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Valletta or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Valletta and Amalfi.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Valletta or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Valletta and Amalfi are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Valletta Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Amalfi?

Both Valletta and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Valletta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Valletta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valletta than Amalfi if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Valletta.

One day in Valletta or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Valletta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valletta or Amalfi?

Valletta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Amalfi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valletta or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Valletta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Valletta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valletta Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valletta or Amalfi?

Valletta has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Valletta and Amalfi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Valletta or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Valletta during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In July, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 26°C (79°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the summer, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Amalfi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Valletta is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valletta usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valletta or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Amalfi. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Valletta is much warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valletta in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Valletta usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Valletta is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 16°C (61°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valletta usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Valletta